Daniel Kuczynski

Daniel Kuczynski from Vermont, USA is learning to master the Daguerrotype, but also works in several other processes.
From: Vermont, USA.
Shows: Cyanotypes, Daguerrotypes, Gum bichromates, Gum over palladiums and Palladiums.

Daniel Kuczynski began his photography studies in the 1980’s at George Washington University, where he demonstrated an early aptitude for black & white photography and was introduced to the Gum Bichromate process. In 1987, Daniel became a full-time student of Photo History and Chemistry at Goddard College in Vermont, thus beginning his research and work in numerous alternative processes: Gum Bichromate, Palladium, Gum over Palladium, Bromoil, Oil, Cyanotype, and Hand-coated Emulsions. These techniques proved fascinating and challenging and allowed him to develop his own artistic expression. Daniel applied his knowledge of photo history toward buying and selling historical images. His own skills continued to develop during this period, as he began showing his work at juried competitions and in several notable U.S. galleries, winning awards and praise.

In 1997, Daniel moved to the British West Indies, spending the next five years establishing a darkroom, teaching black & white photography and amassing a Caribbean portfolio. He returned to Vermont in 2002, only to discover that the historical photography business was struggling. The digital age was sweeping through the photo world at the time. A new DSLR made some interesting prints, but capturing pixels did not compare to the satisfaction of spending numerous hours creating one print in a historical process.

While reconnecting with old friends and dealers in 2010, Daniel discovered that an interest in alternative processes was beginning to reemerge. He decided to take on a new challenge: mastering the Daguerreotype. After completing an advanced class with Mike Robinson and Marc Osterman at the George Eastman House, Daniel built a new studio and lab, fabricating all of the necessary apparatus for creating Daguerreotypes. Already innovating the medium, Daniel sought to contemporize Daguerreian cases, realizing that historic cases were not merely protective enclosures, but viewing aids that enhanced the intimate nature of viewing a Daguerreotype. Hence, New Alchemy was launched, creating contemporary enclosures with innovative design and materials.

“My goal is to contemporize the Daguerreotype, both in imagery and its presentation.”

Share this:

Where is my gallery?

If you USED TO have a gallery but can't find it, check that your membership is still active and email us on talk@alternativephotography.com and we'll make sure your gallery gets done.

We have tried to contact everyone, but some contact details are out of date.

Send us your work

1. To join the gallery, please email with "Gallery request" in the subject heading:

• Images, correctly named, sized at 700 pixels wide or tall and 72 dpi. Send all images you wish to display (think "quality" rather than "quantity"!). Though emailing works, we recommend uploading the files on dropbox and sending us the link. You can get a 1 GB free account here which you can use to send, store and back up your photographs, totally free, no hooks.
• Titles of images. If the image is a Cyanotype called "Blue Flower" please name the exactly like the title: Cyanotype Blue Flower.jpg (not blue-flower-001.jpg or IMG000098.jpg or similar).
• Processes used - only alt. proc. allowed!
• Biography - a short one around 100-200 words, written in 3rd person. Make it personal rather than a list of places that has exhibited your work.
• Self portrait sized 300x300 pixels. Can be abstract if you are the shy type.
• Quote (10-30 words). Your quote and words, perhaps about why you work in alt. proc. or why you photograph?
• City & country you work in. If you're American, please also write the full name of the state, not just WA.
• Contact details - email and/or website (optional, please note that you can use one for the internet and one for private mails to reduce spam - just send us both).

Updating your gallery

If you already have a gallery with us and would like to update it, please make sure your Supporting Membership is still active.

Please also note that all the work with the galleries is done manually and it is a lot of work to update a gallery. We would appreciate if you would think carefully before sending images for a gallery, and think quality, rather thank quantity. Thank you.

All articles – ever

All articles – ever

Our own books

We're all about historical photographic methods in use today - that means mixing emulsions and coating paper by hand. Learn how to print photographs with these techniques, and share your experiences with others. We are a non-profit organisation and rely on contributions from supporting members.